How to Rebuild Your Identity After Divorce | From Military Wife to Finding Her Voice with Heather Sweeney

Starting Over After Trauma: Breaking the Silence & Rebuilding Your True Self

What if the silence you have been carrying is the very thing keeping you lost, emotionally stuck, and unable to fully heal, rebuild, and reclaim your life? In this powerful bonus coaching episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah takes a deeper dive into one of the most emotional themes from her conversation with Barb Rebon — breaking the silence, healing emotional wounds, and learning how to step into your truth after years of hiding pain. So many women spend years silently carrying trauma, shame, emotional abuse, identity struggles, fear, and heartbreak. What once felt like protection can slowly become the very thing that causes life to fall apart internally — leaving you disconnected from yourself, your purpose, and the freedom to live authentically. This episode offers encouragement and practical guidance for women who are starting over, navigating emotional healing, recovering from trauma, or trying to rebuild their lives after years of silence and self-protection. Coach Deborah also reminds listeners that healing does not happen all at once. Rebuilding your life after trauma, emotional abuse, divorce, or years of silence happens one honest step at a time. If you have ever felt emotionally lost, afraid to tell your story, or uncertain how to start over after pain, this episode will encourage you to stop hiding, reclaim your voice, and begin healing with courage and purpose. Key Takeaways * Silence is not empty—it’s often filled with unprocessed pain * You are not weak for staying silent—you were surviving * Healing begins when you feel safe enough to be seen and heard * Your story is not something to hide—it’s something to honor * You don’t have to share everything with everyone—start with one safe space This Episode Is For You If: * You feel like you’re living a double life * You’ve been holding onto trauma, shame, or fear * You struggle to express your true identity * You’re ready to start healing—but don’t know where to begin * You want to feel more aligned, authentic, and free Call to Action If this episode resonated with you: Share it with someone who needs encouragement Subscribe, rate, and review Bent Not Broken Ready to break your silence and step into your next chapter? Book a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint [https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint] Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186] and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] * LinkedIn: Broken to Boldness [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-griffiths/] Take the Living Bold Assessment [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/69f69b6905ce172cfceb5516] Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Lost in Silence: Healing From Trauma, Shame & the Fear of Living Authentically | Barb Rebon

What happens when the life you built no longer aligns with your truth — when years of silence, emotional pain, trauma, and hiding who you are leave you feeling lost, broken, and disconnected from yourself? In this deeply emotional episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah sits down with Barb Rebon to share a powerful story of healing, recovery, reclaiming identity, and starting over after a lifetime of silence. For more than 26 years, Barb dedicated her life to education, helping thousands of students and families. But behind her successful career was a painful private struggle shaped by childhood sexual abuse, shame, fear, emotional trauma, faith conflict, and identity suppression. In her upcoming book, The Heartbeat of My Silence, Barb opens up about what happens when your inner world slowly falls apart while trying to survive in silence. This episode explores: * Surviving childhood sexual abuse and emotional trauma * Living for decades feeling lost, ashamed, and emotionally disconnected * How silence and suppression can deeply impact relationships, identity, and purpose * Wrestling with faith, sexuality, and self-acceptance * The emotional process of reclaiming your voice and identity later in life * How therapy, safe relationships, and storytelling help people heal and rebuild * Why starting over can become the beginning of freedom, healing, and authentic living Barb also shares the life-changing moment that sparked her transformation after watching country artist Chely Wright publicly come out and tell her story — a moment that helped Barb realize she no longer wanted to live hidden by fear and silence. This conversation is raw, honest, and inspiring for anyone navigating trauma recovery, emotional abuse, identity struggles, life transitions, or the painful journey of rebuilding after years of silence. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED * The emotional weight of living in silence * Trauma recovery and long-term emotional healing * How shame and fear keep people emotionally trapped * Faith, identity, and reclaiming self-worth * The power of storytelling in healing and recovery * Learning to rebuild your life with authenticity and purpose * Why healing often begins the moment you stop hiding About Barb Rebon Barb Rebon is a lifelong educator with over 26 years of experience impacting students and families. In her debut memoir, The Heartbeat of My Silence, she courageously shares her journey through trauma, faith, identity, and self-acceptance—offering hope and healing to others walking a similar path. Resources & Links * The Heartbeat of My Silence (Coming Soon – Target Launch: May, ahead of Pride Month) * Available soon on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Barb’s upcoming website * Barb's website: http://www.barbararebonauthor.com/ [http://www.barbararebonauthor.com/] Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186] and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com/] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] * LinkedIn: Broken to Boldness [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-griffiths/] Take the Living Bold Assessment [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/69f69b6905ce172cfceb5516] Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Starting Over After Divorce: Helping Your Child Recover From Emotional Stress & Conflict

Divorce can leave families feeling lost, emotionally overwhelmed, and unsure how to rebuild when life falls apart. While parents are navigating the pain of starting over after divorce, children are often quietly carrying the emotional weight of conflict, stress, and emotional instability. In this bonus coaching session of Bent Not Broken, Deborah expands on the powerful conversation with Dr. David Marcus about how high-conflict divorce, emotional abuse, and unhealthy co-parenting dynamics impact children long after the marriage ends. This episode focuses on one of the most important tools for helping children heal and recover after divorce: becoming a “soothing presence” for your child. When children are surrounded by arguments, tension, or emotional chaos, they often internalize the conflict. Some emotionally withdraw, some act out, and others feel responsible for fixing the family around them. Deborah explains why emotionally safe parenting becomes critical when a family is trying to rebuild and reclaim stability after divorce. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What it means to become a calming, emotionally safe parent during divorce recovery * Why emotional safety matters more than overexplaining the divorce * How children absorb stress, emotional abuse, and parental conflict * Why regulating your emotions helps your child feel secure and supported * How consistency, healthy boundaries, and calm communication help children heal * Encouragement for parents navigating parental alienation, co-parenting struggles, and starting over after divorce Deborah also reminds listeners that while you cannot control the other parent’s behavior, you can control the emotional environment your child experiences with you. Even when a marriage falls apart, one emotionally grounded parent can help a child rebuild trust, resilience, and emotional security. If you are navigating divorce, co-parenting challenges, emotional abuse recovery, or the pain of starting over after divorce, this coaching session offers practical guidance, hope, and encouragement to help both you and your child heal with purpose. Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com/] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

How High-Conflict Divorce Hurts Children — And How to Help Them Heal & Feel Safe Again | David Marcus

Divorce does not just affect parents — it deeply impacts children, especially when conflict, emotional abuse, and unhealthy communication continue after the marriage ends. In this episode of Bent Not Broken, Deborah speaks with Dr. David Marcus about how high-conflict divorce affects a child’s emotional wellbeing and what parents can do to help children heal, rebuild trust, and feel emotionally safe again. Dr. Marcus explains how children absorb stress, anxiety, and conflict even when they cannot express it with words. He shares why some children become people-pleasers, emotionally withdraw, or try to mediate between parents just to survive the emotional chaos around them. This episode explores: * The emotional impact of high-conflict divorce on children * Warning signs of emotional stress and parental alienation * How children “borrow your okayness” from emotionally grounded parents * Healthy co-parenting communication and emotional boundaries * Practical ways to help children process feelings and recover after divorce Dr. Marcus also shares parenting insights from his upcoming book, Parent Rx: Prescriptive Wisdom, Tips and Strategies for Communication With Your Child. If you are navigating divorce, co-parenting struggles, blended family challenges, or emotional abuse recovery, this episode offers practical tools to help your children heal and reclaim emotional safety after divorce. Learn more at: parentrx.org [https://parentrx.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com/] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Lost Yourself in Marriage? 3 Steps to Rebuild Your Life After Divorce

After divorce, many women realize something deeper than the end of a relationship has occurred. They’ve lost pieces of themselves along the way. In this Bent Not Broken Bonus Coaching episode, Coach Deborah Griffiths reflects on the conversation with writer Heather Sweeney and explores an experience many women quietly struggle with — losing their identity inside a marriage. For years, many women prioritize supporting their partner’s career, raising children, and maintaining the household. Over time, their own dreams, passions, and voice slowly fade into the background. But recognizing that loss can also be the beginning of something powerful — reclaiming who you truly are. In this coaching episode, Deborah shares practical steps for rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with your passions, and creating a life that reflects your authentic self after divorce or a major life transition. If you’ve ever felt like you lost yourself in a relationship, this episode will remind you that rediscovering your voice is possible. Because life may bend you — but it doesn’t have to break you. In This Bonus Coaching Episode • Why many women lose their identity in long-term relationships • How small compromises can lead to self-abandonment over time • The first step to reconnecting with who you truly are • How taking action rebuilds confidence after divorce • Why healing requires grace, patience, and self-compassion • The power of rediscovering passions that bring you back to life Ready to Take the Next Step? If you’re navigating divorce or a major life transition and want guidance on rebuilding your confidence, identity, and next chapter, Coach Deborah offers one-on-one discovery calls to help you create a clear path forward. Schedule a call here: https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint [https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint] Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com/] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.